Sr Scientist II - Gene Therapy Analytical Development

Make your mark for patients

Position Summary:

The Analytical Development team is looking for a highly experienced data scientist and molecular biologist with hands-on experience on computational/bioinformatics for AAV gene therapy products. This individual will lead Next Generation Sequencing capability for AAV therapeutics to support UCB AAV gene therapy programs from discovery to development stages. This position is based out of our offices in Bedford, MA.

Please note: We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at any point for this role. This includes taking over sponsorship for an existing Visa.

Major Accountabilities

• Analyze high-throughput sequencing data generated on high throughput sequencing instruments (long and short read sequencing and genetic omics sequencing data). This requires an extensive working knowledge for Linux/Unix commands, computer programming languages (R/python) and application of open-source software tools.

• Develop flexible, scalable and end user friendly NGS Bioinformatics analysis pipeline. The analysis pipeline should be fit for purpose to characterize AAV vectors for multiple AAV gene therapy programs at the different stages (from Prove of Concept of AAV viral genome design to validate AAV therapeutic candidate)

• Develop robust and fit-for-purpose NGS experimental methods to characterize AAV therapeutics as well as lead NGS related analytical methods' qualification for AAV viral genome characterization and transfer activities to internal counter partners and/or external CRO/CDMO organization.

• Support routine analytical testing for AAV therapeutic candidates, particularly leading NGS routine characterization analytical methods and bioinformatics workflow.

• Author and review SOPs, method development reports and routine testing data for NGS related analytical methods.

• NGS raw data storage and maintenance

• Collaborate with upstream, downstream and vector biology teams on cross-functional platform development projects as well as contribute to portfolio projects as Bioprocess Representative within core project teams

Qualifications/Requirements

• PhD (8 - 10 years), MS (10 - 15 years) relevant industry experience in Data Science, Bioinformatics, Virology, and Molecular Biology

• 5+ years of experience working in AAV therapeutics and/or cell and gene therapy area

• Experienced with NGS technologies and sequencing analysis toolkits.

• Competency with R/Python and SQL. Knowledge of version control (GitHub, Docker and conda)

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate results with non-bioinformatic team members.

• Experienced with building IT infrastructure for NGS pipeline analysis.

Preferred Experience/Skills

• Hands-on experience on computational/bioinformatics for AAV gene therapy

• Experience with NGS technologies and NGS method development for AAV therapeutical characterization.

• Knowledge of phase appropriate technical considerations around NGS characterization for AAV therapeutics

• Experience with AAV engineering using NGS as a tool for variety of tissues

• Experience with regulatory guidances for analytical method development and validation

• Experience with silence based gene therapy programs

Salary Range: $115,800 to $152,000

Internal applicants should be in their current job for at least 12 months, must meet performance standards and are not on formal corrective/disciplinary process (PIP), warning, final warning, or compliance warning letters within the last 12 months. Please inform your Manager or your Talent Partner before applying to any internal job opportunities.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are open to all talent, and adhere to Affirmative Action principles. This ensures that all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to neurodiversity, race/ethnicity, colour, national origin, religion, gender, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered/protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Should you require any adjustments to our process to assist you in demonstrating your strengths and capabilities contact us on US-Reasonable_Accommodation@ucb.com for application to US based roles. Please note should your enquiry not relate to adjustments; we will not be able to support you through this channel.

Requisition ID: 88173 

Recruiter: John Gasbarre 

Hiring Manager: Qingwei Deng 

Talent Partner: Sandra Jeanne Rogers

Job Level: SA I

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